Peace Through Service
Having recently returned from the International Assembly in San Diego, it became more apparent than ever the monumental mark Rotary is leaving in our world’s history, and what a truly exciting time it is to be a Rotarian.
The following facts were shared with the incoming class of District Governors and International leadership:
- We have met and exceeded the Bill and Melinda Gates challenge to raise $200 million dollars
- India has completed one full year without a single case of Polio
- Overall – cases of Polio have been reduced by over 30% from the previous year
- Bill and Melinda Gates have added an additional $50 million to the cause
Our support will continue through and beyond completion of our promise to eradicate Polio.
Many of you may recall the acronym PAIN being used to describe the last 4 Polio-endemic countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Nigeria. With India off the list, I think NAP is the perfect way to tell to world we are putting Polio to bed. On January 2, 2012 our International President Kalyan Banerjee and First Lady Binota traveled down Colorado Avenue showing millions of people that we are just “this close” to finishing our promise to eradicate Polio from the world. Then, in just days, the above facts are made public and the reality of how close we really are sets in. We are making history.
The question is often asked, “What does the future hold for Rotary? What will be our next Big Challenge?” I believe that we already know, and that Rotary has given us the framework through which we can achieve what all of mankind strives to achieve: Peace.
How fitting that the theme Peace through Service was unveiled at the International Assembly by RI President-elect Sakuji Tanaka. He said, “Peace, however it is defined, is a realistic goal for Rotary. It is something that we can find and that we can achieve, every day and in many simple ways.”
I believe that this framework through which peace is possible is Rotary’s Future Vision Plan. In 2013, the full rollout of the Future Vision Plan will begin, and all clubs will be operating under this new strategic plan for The Rotary Foundation. So, what does that really mean? Under the plan, Rotarians can develop projects through a simplified grant making model, allowing Clubs to develop and implement larger projects with a greater, more sustainable impact on the beneficiaries. The plan aims to sharpen the focus of Foundation grants activity by enabling Rotarians to identify projects that address needs in the Six Areas of Focus. Additionally, the FVP helps enhance service work by establishing strategic partnerships with other organizations to leverage Rotary’s financial and human resources worldwide and involve others in its mission.
Quite simply, by increasing the scope and effectiveness of our service to others we are contributing to the overall goal of peace. We are increasing world understanding. We are bridging gaps between cultures, solving problems that would otherwise lead to conflict and more fully understanding each other by Reaching Within to Embrace Humanity. This is an opportunity to re-energize and re-evaluate the potential impact your club can make in the world. Tell prospective members how Rotary has identified Six Areas of Focus and how the Foundation is the means by which we are able to address the many needs within these areas.
Think of our formula for change.
Addressing needs in the Six Areas of Focus:
Water & Sanitation + Disease Prevention & Control + Maternal & Child Health + Literacy & Education + Economic & Community Development + Peace & Conflict Resolution = A more peaceful world
Increasing membership and Foundation giving are the two components that will fuel this formula for peace. Just think of the peace we have brought to millions of parents in the world who will never have to live in fear of their child’s life being attacked or claimed by Polio. Think of how warring tribes have put down their weapons in order to receive the Polio vaccine. By addressing the needs of people around the world with one simple goal in mind: Service Above Self, we as Rotarians are silent builders of peace. We have earned trust within communities where no one else was trusted to go. Continue to share the story of Rotary’s great accomplishments with those around you, and invite them to be a part of this powerful change we are making, one act of kindness at a time.
President Reagan once said “I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph and there is a purpose and worth to each and every life.” It is as if he was talking about each and every one of us; about how we uphold the value of every human life and desire to be that force of prevailing good in the world.
On Monday, February 13th our District has the unique opportunity for an inside look at what it was like to work directly with President Reagan during some of the most tumultuous and unpredictable times our country has ever seen, and how key decisions ultimately lead to peace at home and abroad. One of our Rotary eClub members has invited to our District: Doctor Tyrus Cobb, International Programs/Technology Affairs, 1988-1989, and Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan.
This special presentation from Dr. Tyrus Cobb entitled Reagan and the Russians: How Ronald Reagan Dealt with the Soviet Union will take place at the DoubleTree, Orange and is open to all Rotarians and guests. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I hope you will share with family, friends and potential Rotary members.
Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying your way. President Reagan was the author of those words as well, but they resonate in perfect harmony with my hopes for you.
On behalf of Val and myself, we wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day. Please let us know how we can support you. You continue to inspire both of our lives and make serving Rotary a heartwarming experience.
Greg and Valerie Owen
District Governor and First Lady
